Bulldogs rout Golden Rockets to remain undefeated
By: Luke Schmitt
Posted on:
WELLSTON, Ohio (WOUB) — The Athens Bulldogs traveled to take on the Wellston Golden Rockets in a TVC-Ohio showdown on Friday, October 10th.
Athens entered the game undefeated at 7-0, outscoring their opponent 342 to 28. Wellston looked to play spoiler, hosting the Bulldogs for the 78th matchup in the series.
Wellston was the first to receive the ball, but a fumbled snap ended the drive preemptively. Athens strung together a few good passes courtesy of senior quarterback Daniel Heightland. Heightland sped up the offensive tempo and handed it off to running back Anthony Sutton for an easy touchdown.
Wellston got the ball back, and after a few plays of minimal gains, running back Josh Clarkson found a gap through the defensive line and tore through the linebackers to score a rushing touchdown from beyond midfield.
Wellston tied the game, but Athens quickly jumped back in the driver’s seat. Heightland opened up the next drive with a quick slant midfield that turned into a twenty-yard-plus gain. Heightland and the Bulldogs’ offense ran hurry-up in the red zone once again, and Heightland took off on his legs for a touchdown.
Wellston couldn’t respond on their next chance with the football, and a slew of penalties ended their drive before it could begin. The Golden Rockets punted to the Bulldogs, and similar to their offense, defensive penalties provided Athens with the momentum.
Wellston Quarterback Bailey Ousley got a critical pass deflection on defense, but he got banged up on the way down. Ousley left the game for Wellston and forced them to turn to Josh Clarkson to take direct snaps at running back.
Athens scored off another Anthony Sutton touchdown to make the game 21-7, and from there, they ran away from Wellston. Seniors Anthony Sutton and Daniel Heightland led the Bulldogs in the first half. Sutton had three rushing touchdowns, and Heightland had two on the ground to put the Bulldogs up 35-7 at halftime.
The Bulldogs scored 41 unanswered points on the Golden Rockets and won in soaring fashion, 48-7.
The offensive fireworks were apparent with Athens, but it was the Bulldogs’ defensive line that made the crucial difference in the game. When running back Josh Clarkson took snaps for Wellston, the Athens defensive line consistently limited his yardage to minimal gains on nearly every play. The front four played a vital role in this Bulldog win.
Athens remains undefeated and will face River Valley in Bidwell next week before hosting Nelsonville-York in what will surely be the game that decides the TVC-Ohio title.
Wellston will take on Meigs at home next week in search of its first conference win.